Apia in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Apia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with 21 mostly sunny days and minimal cyclone risk - ideal for snorkeling visibility at 20-25m (65-82 ft) and calm lagoon conditions
School holiday season creates busy local atmosphere with traditional fire knife dancing competitions and increased cultural performances at resorts without overwhelming tourist crowds
Humpback whale migration peak season - 85% success rate for whale watching tours departing from Apia Harbor between 7-11am when seas are calmest
Optimal conditions for Samoa Beach visits with trade winds keeping temperatures comfortable and minimal seaweed buildup after winter storms clear

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% above low season rates due to shoulder season demand, especially beachfront fales which book out 6-8 weeks ahead
Morning humidity peaks at 85% before trade winds kick in around 10am, making early outdoor activities feel significantly warmer than temperature suggests
Brief afternoon showers on 10 days can disrupt planned beach time, though they typically last only 15-20 minutes and occur between 2-4pm

Best Activities in September

Lalomanu Beach and To Sua Ocean Trench Day Trips

September's dry conditions make the 1.5-hour drive to Samoa on mostly sealed roads comfortable, while low humidity enhances the dramatic contrast of To Sua's Dominica. Clear skies provide optimal photography conditions for the 30m (98 ft) ladder descent. Ocean temperatures hold steady at 26°C (79°F) with excellent visibility.

Booking Tip: Book combination tours 10-14 days ahead for best vehicle selection. Tours typically cost WST 180-250 ($65-90 USD) including lunch. Look for operators with newer vehicles and reef-safe sunscreen policies. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Apia Harbor Whale Watching Expeditions

Peak humpback migration occurs in September with mothers and calves making the journey north. Early morning departures (7am) take advantage of calm conditions before afternoon trade winds strengthen. Success rates exceed 85% with frequent breaching displays. Tours return by 11am, avoiding midday UV intensity.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 2 weeks ahead as boats are limited to 12 passengers maximum. Prices range WST 220-280 ($80-100 USD). Choose operators with hydrophones for underwater whale song listening. Cancellation policies important due to weather sensitivity.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Mount Vaea Hiking

September's lower humidity makes the 45-minute uphill trek to Stevenson's tomb manageable in morning hours. Clear skies offer panoramic views of Apia Harbor and surrounding reef systems. The museum's colonial architecture provides cool respite, and September marks fewer tour groups than peak season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost WST 20 ($7 USD) museum entry. Start hiking by 8am to avoid midday heat. Guided cultural tours available WST 80-120 ($30-45 USD) including traditional stories. Transport from Apia hotels typically WST 40-60 ($15-22 USD) return.

Piula Cave Pool and Cultural Village Experiences

September's stable weather patterns ensure Piula's freshwater cave pools maintain optimal clarity for swimming. The underground spring system stays cool at 22°C (72°F), providing relief from afternoon humidity. Traditional village demonstrations of tapa cloth making and fire dancing occur more frequently during school holidays.

Booking Tip: Entry fee WST 10 ($4 USD) for cave pools. Cultural village tours range WST 60-100 ($22-36 USD) including traditional lunch. Book cultural experiences 3-5 days ahead through village committees. Bring reef shoes for rocky cave floors.

Apia Town Market and Waterfront Food Tours

September brings peak availability of breadfruit, taro, and seasonal fish varieties at Fugalei Market. Morning market visits (6-9am) avoid afternoon heat and offer freshest selections. Harbor-side restaurants serve optimal seafood selections as fishing conditions improve after winter storms.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration free, but guided food tours WST 80-140 ($30-50 USD) provide cultural context and language assistance. Tours typically 3 hours including 5-6 tasting stops. Book day before through hotel concierges or see current food tour options below.

Manono Island Day Trips

September's calm lagoon conditions make the 20-minute boat crossing to car-free Manono Island smooth and comfortable. Crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling the island's fringing reef, while steady trade winds keep palm-fringed beaches comfortable for walking the 3km (1.9 mile) coastal track.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost WST 150-200 ($55-75 USD) including boat transfer, snorkel gear, and island guide. Boats typically depart 9am, return 4pm. Book through licensed operators only - unlicensed boats lack safety equipment. Weather-dependent with backup dates recommended.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Teuila Festival

Samoa's premier cultural festival featuring traditional fire knife dancing competitions, siva dancing performances, and handicraft exhibitions. Multiple venues across Apia showcase authentic Polynesian culture with food stalls serving traditional umu-cooked meals and locally-made crafts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers occur 10 days and last 15-20 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen in travel sizes - UV index reaches 8 and many accommodations/tours require reef-safe formulations

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity, especially during 10am-2pm peak heat

Reef shoes or water shoes - essential for To Sua Ocean Trench ladder, Piula Cave pools, and rocky beach entries

Quick-dry shorts/swimwear - multiple water activities and humid conditions mean regular clothing stays damp longer

Light daypack with waterproof compartment - for protecting electronics during brief afternoon showers and water activities

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes most active during humid early morning and evening hours

Sandals with back strap and closed-toe walking shoes - combination needed for various terrain from beaches to forest tracks

Lightweight long sleeves for evening - protection from mosquitoes and occasional cool trade winds after sunset

Waterproof phone case - essential for water activities and protection during afternoon rain showers

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early July - September coincides with Australian/New Zealand school holidays creating accommodation shortages, especially beachfront fales

Start outdoor activities by 8am - trade winds don't kick in until 10am, making early morning significantly more comfortable for hiking and cultural site visits

Afternoon showers typically hit between 2-4pm and last exactly 15-20 minutes - locals use this time for indoor activities like market shopping or museum visits

Whale watching success rates drop dramatically after 11am when trade winds strengthen - morning tours are worth the premium pricing for calmer seas and better wildlife encounters

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - September coincides with school holidays creating severe accommodation shortages, especially beach properties

Planning beach days for afternoon hours - trade winds can create choppy conditions and afternoon showers interrupt activities between 2-4pm daily

Wearing synthetic clothing in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential as synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable and retain odors quickly